Leadership Bios

Nancy Toscano, Ph.D., LCSW

President & Chief Executive Officer

Known for her strengths as both a clinical therapist and effective nonprofit leader, Nancy Toscano never wavers in her compassion and pursuit of life-changing solutions for vulnerable children and families in Virginia. She believes every child deserves to be loved, protected and empowered, and that caring families come in many varieties.

Nancy was named President & Chief Executive Officer of Shineforth in April 2021 and has been with the organization since 2007. She’s committed to upholding Shineforth’s resources in service to its mission, striving to elevate awareness, engage and build support in the Central Virginia community.

A licensed clinical social worker with extensive experience in organizational behavior and culture, metrics analysis, and strategic thinking, Nancy has been highly sought after as both a thought leader and practitioner in the family services realm. Her work has taken her to many different locations around the world, including California, New York, Malaysia and England. 

In 2018, Nancy was invited by Virginia’s Office of Children’s Services and the Secretary of Health and Human Resources to facilitate strategic planning for the State Executive Council. She’s President of the Virginia Coalition of Private Provider Associations (VCOPPA), President of the Virginia Nonprofit Leadership Council (VNLC), and past- Chair of Richmond City’s Community, Planning and Management team.   

Originally from Long Island, New York, Nancy earned her Ph.D. in Public Policy and Administration with a concentration in nonprofit leadership from Virginia Commonwealth University. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Siena College and her master’s degree from New York University, both in the field of social work.  

Nancy enjoys exploring nature and spending time with her husband, John, and their son, Jack. 

Matt Lisagor, CPA

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER

Matt Lisagor leads operations as the Chief Operating Officer (COO) at Shineforth. His career spans more than 30 years in finance, and he’s led diverse organizations in the private, public, and non-profit sectors.

Matt’s guidance and expertise extends beyond finance, and he plays a pivotal part in refining and integrating organization-wide systems and processes at Shineforth that drive operational efficiency. In addition to overseeing the Finance Department, he also provides leadership and guidance to Facilities and Plant Services, as well as the Information Technology Department.

Matt earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration with a specialization in accounting from Old Dominion University in 1991. Prior to joining Shineforth, he held the esteemed position of Vice President of Finance, Hospital Operations, at a national publicly traded behavioral healthcare company. 

Matt finds joy in the company of family and friends and enjoys sailing back to shore and witnessing the breathtaking beauty of a sunset after a blissful day on the ocean with loved ones. 

Brian Chizuk, MSW, LCSW

VICE PRESIDENT OF RESIDENTIAL SERVICES

Brian Chizuk brings over 26 years of experience working with youth and their families in residential settings to Shineforth. His unwavering commitment lies in hiring, training, developing, and supporting high-quality professionals dedicated to serving the youth and families in Shineforth’s residential program.

Brian began his career as a youth counselor and earned various positions in management. He was later invited to fulfill director-level opportunities, including Clinical Director, Director of Residential Homes, and Assistant Administrator. Brian’s leadership roles have provided him with a comprehensive understanding of residential care and enabled him to identify effective services and anticipate the needs of both youth and staff.  

Brian holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from The State University of New York, Oneonta, and a master’s degree in social work from Virginia Commonwealth University. He’s a Licensed Clinical Social Worker registered with the Virginia Board of Health Professionals.

Brian enjoys spending time with family, preferably at the beach, listening to music, laughing, swimming, playing games, and maybe even getting a nice tan. 

Chris Bennett, M.Div.

VICE PRESIDENT OF STRATEGY & INNOVATION

Chris Bennett joined Shineforth as its Vice President of Strategy & Innovation in October 2025. He oversees organizational learning and strategy, as well as communications and marketing.  “I have two fundamental convictions,” Chris said. “Each human being has a God-given creative capacity and calling, and all humans are made for thriving and flourishing.”

A former United Methodist Church pastor (15 years) and a strategic consultant for The Spark Mill (10 years), Chris has cultivated invaluable relationships with churches and nonprofit organizations throughout Virginia and beyond. He brings to Shineforth a valuable blend of nonprofit and faith-based leadership, mastery of various strategic applications, and a deep interest in Conscious Leadership.

Chris earned his Master of Divinity from Union Presbyterian Seminary and his bachelor’s in communications from Virginia Tech.  When he’s not leading strategy sessions, evaluating timelines, and building efficiencies,

Chris enjoys hiking, running, reading, and cheering on his kids at their football and lacrosse games.

Deborah Burton, MSW

VICE PRESIDENT OF community based services

Vice President of Community Based Services Deborah Burton has dedicated her 30-year career to helping others. She’s passionate about families having a voice in the services they receive and strongly believes that every child deserves a loving family.   

Deborah’s journey with Shineforth began in 1995 as a social worker in Tidewater, where she played a crucial role supporting children living with family members affected by AIDS. The initiative, named “My Sister’s Children,” resulted in the implementation of a standby guardianship law that provided parents with the means to plan for their children’s care during challenging circumstances.  

Deborah has served in various roles of progressive leadership at Shineforth, including adoption supervisor and program director. She briefly left Shineforth but returned in 2003 and was named Regional Director for the South and West Region, where she helped established offices in Lynchburg, South Hill, and Farmville. 

Deborah is a two-time graduate of Norfolk State University, where she earned both a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in social work.

Michelle Pruitt

VICE PRESIDENT OF FINANCE

Michelle Pruitt joined Shineforth in 2024. As Vice President of Finance, she works alongside her team to cultivate innovative strategies and provide exceptional support for the organization’s various initiatives and programs.

Michelle is motivated by the belief that children and families today face increasing challenges and that quality care and support are essential for building healthy relationships. She finds fulfillment in contributing to an organization that lives its values every day and aligns with her personal commitment to making a difference.

A graduate of James Madison University with a bachelor’s in accounting, Michelle spent a majority of her career in the for-profit finance sector before being called to the nonprofit world. She said was called to Shineforth because of the positive impact its programs and services have on children, families, and communities.

Michelle enjoys spending time with her family and her black lab rescue dog, Jasper. Her perfect day involves cooking, painting, tackling home improvement projects, enjoying great weather, and exploring new places.

Nina Marino, MSW, LCSW

VICE PRESIDENT OF PROGRAM INNOVATION & EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

In her role as Vice President of Program Innovation & External Affairs, Nina Marino focuses on new business development, strategic partnerships and government affairs. She’s a subject-matter expert in mental health and child welfare and has extensive experience in state-level public policy administration.

At the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services, she spearheaded initiatives, such as expanding school-based mental health services, enhancing the mobile crisis workforce, and advancing adolescent substance use treatment and recovery. Nina also worked with the Annie E. Casey Foundation’s Child Welfare Strategy Group, improving outcomes for older youth in child welfare and juvenile justice systems. Additionally, she has held leadership roles in nonprofits, developing trauma-informed case management programs, and overseeing treatment foster care and adoption-competent mental health services.

Nina began her career as a therapist, focusing on trauma services for children and adolescents. She earned her Master of Social Work from Virginia Commonwealth University and is a licensed clinical social worker.

Sarah Headley-Boyd, M.Ed

VICE PRESIDENT OF EDUCATION

Sarah Headley-Boyd brings a wealth of experience and expertise to her role as Vice President of Education at Shineforth.

Sarah previously served as program director for PHILLIPS Programs’ Laurel campus, a respected nonprofit organization in the Washington metropolitan area that provides education and support services to young people and families facing behavioral and developmental challenges. 

During her 23-year tenure at PHILLIPS Programs, Sarah held progressive leadership positions, including Education Director. She has received several advanced professional certificates in the field education and is also experience in compliance and budgeting. Sarah is a former board member for the Maryland Association of Non-Public Special Education Facilities (MANSEF).  

Sarah is an alumna of James Madison University (bachelor’s degree) and George Washington University (M.Ed.) and holds graduate certificates in educational administration and supervision from Johns Hopkins University.   

Steve George, MBA, MSIT

VICE PRESIDENT OF TECHNOLOGY, QUALITY & DATA

As Vice President of Technology, Quality & Data, Steve George leads Shineforth’s technological advancements and oversees IT support for all the entire agency. He’s committed to technological efficiencies that cut costs and ultimately free up funding that can be leveraged for programs that directly serve children.

Steve is the former Director of IT Operations for VCU’s School of Medicine. He worked there for 14 years, and his responsibilities included delivering comprehensive IT services to support 800 physician educators, 450 faculty members, 1,200 staff, and over 2,000 graduate/medical students. 

Steve earned dual bachelor’s degrees (general business management and information systems) from Virginia State University. He also earned dual master’s degrees from Virginia Commonwealth University: an M.S. in Information Systems and an MBA.

Steve enjoys spending time with his fiancée, Valerie, and watching the ID channel. 

Kate Ockerman, CVA

DIRECTOR OF PHILANTHROPHY & VOLUNTEERISM

Kate Ockerman is the Director of Philanthropy & Volunteerism at Shineforth and previously served as the administrative services manager for Charterhouse School in Richmond. She joined the organization in 2014 and immediately began forging relationships with volunteers. “I’m blown away by their commitment to the kids we serve,” she said. 

Kate transitioned to the development team as a volunteer coordinator and was quickly promoted to volunteer manager and then to associate director of stewardship and engagement. She spearheaded the Family Champion volunteer program and played an integral role in helping Shineforth earn Service Enterprise (SEI) certification. 

A Certified Volunteer Administrator (CVA) and an alumna of William & Mary, Kate earned her bachelor’s degree in English and a minor in psychology. 

Kate enjoys spending time with her husband, John, and their children, Foster and Ellie. You will often find her at home reading a book, planting in the garden, or armed with a tape measurer rearranging furniture.   

Robin Myers

DIRECTOR OF HUMAN RESOURCES

Robin Myers is Shineforth’s Director of Human Resources and an all-around HR guru who’s been making significant contributions to enhancing the human resources department since she joined the team in 2022.

With experience spanning 30 years in the corporate, private, and nonprofit sectors, Robin takes great pride in facilitating workplace growth and revitalization. She places a premium on providing high-quality internal customer service and believes that organizational success is directly tied to employee satisfaction.

Additionally, Robin has a personal tie to Shineforth. Her nephew received services at the Child & Family Healing Center in Richmond. “Because of Shineforth, he finally was able to get on the correct path, graduate from school, and become the person he was meant to be,” Robin said.

Robin values diversity, enjoys learning about other cultures, and has lived abroad in Japan and the Philippines. A perfect day off would include relaxing by the water, soaking up the sun, and spending time with loved ones.  

Molly Davis, MA

SENIOR EXECUTIVE COORDINATOR & GENEROSITY COLLECTIVE LIAISON

Molly Davis is an integral member of Shineforth’s senior leadership team, providing crucial logistical and scheduling support to senior leaders and the CEO.

Molly has served in various roles of progressive leadership since being called to Shineforth as a social work in 2014. She’s the former supervisor of the organization’s Family Support Partner program and was a leader of the Central Region Systems of Care Expansion Center .

An alumna of Longwood (Bachelor of Psychology) and Marymount (Master of Counseling) universities, Molly also is a National Board-Certified Counselor, a credentialed Facilitator and Coach in High Fidelity Wraparound services, and a former research analyst for the National Registry of Evidence-based Programs.

Molly finds joy in spending time outdoors with her husband and children, attending Richmond festivals, supporting the US Women’s soccer team, and delving into a captivating book.